This palace is known these days mostly for being the seat of the local Legislative Assembly (i.e. the City Council). However, it is a fine palace, situated just across the square from the St Isaac's, with plenty of history behind it. Built for the Grand Duchess Maria, daughter of Emperor Nicholas I, in 1839-44, the palace still retains many of its original splendid interiors. When Maria and her husband owned the palace, they used to have a huge greenhouse, where pineapples grew quite well.

In 1884 the Mariinsky Palace was bought by the government and became the seat of the State Council, the State Chancellor's office and the Committee of Ministers (later - the Council of Ministers). Since 1945 the palace has belonged to the city council and local administration.

Next: The Mariinsky Opera and Ballet Theater

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